Harmony of Opposites in the Textiles of Feliksas Jakubauskas

by Ruta Pileckaite, Ph.D.
translated by Agne Narusyte

The retrospective at the Vilnius Picture Gallery [Lithuanian Art Museum] was the first time these works from almost three decades were presented. . . Feliksas Jakubauskas started his career in the beginning of the1980s, when applied art had reached its zenith here. Many interesting artists were active in the Lithuanian art scene with a variety of styles. . . The young artists of that time found an environment of very high standards. They were encouraged to strive for high artistic quality, not to withdraw in the local artistic environment, but to be interested in changes occurring in the international art scene. Then Lithuania became independent. To tell the truth, the situation of applied arts changed dramatically in the country at that time. Changes brought only disaster and misery to some. To others they opened new vistas, possibilities to join the art scene of the world. . .

below, Feliksas Jakubauskas, Black Cloud Over My Valley, 30cm x 315cm, 1987, wool, silk, Gobelin technique.

F. Jakubauskas was one of those who managed to use opportunities. The list of his exhibitions is impressive today; it was filled in many cases without waiting for encouragement, but due to the artist’s enthusiasm. Soon his talent combined with persistence helped to gain international acclaim and prestigious awards. . .

Feliksas Jakubauskas, Games, 127cm x 175cm, 1995, wool, silk, Gobelin technique.

Next to the stunning career, what else is fascinating in the work of F. Jakubauskas? First of all, it is his sensitivity for colours and ability to find harmony in contrasts. The artist, seemingly, likes strange kitsch pink and blue. However, he is able to combine them subtly with other colours. Alternatively, he finds such shades that are like sounds in their lightest tune. The artist is convinced that “there are no bad colours”. . .

Feliksas Jakubauskas, Day from Night, 176cm x 176cm, 2004, wool, silk, mixed techiniques.

The harmony of opposites could be the creative credo of F. Jakubauskas. Rational form is filled with feelings and emotions; meticulous craftsmanship is matched by free improvisation and poetic titles like a light breeze of wind. Even the fact that F. Jakubauskas’s works are highly esteemed among professionals and at the same time loved by people who know nothing about the subtleties of this craft exemplifies his balance of dualities. F. Jakubauskas’s work and personality are multifaceted. . .

Feliksas Jakubauskas, Two Worlds According to Matthew, diptych, 126cm x 280cm, 2004, wool, silk, mixed technique.

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